Fun Facts About The 2018 Penny
The 2018 Lincoln penny is one of the most commonly found coins, produced in the billions. It’s a regular feature in your pocket change, found in jars, and even when searching through penny rolls.
The Lincoln penny has been in circulation since 1909, thanks to sculptor Victor David Brenner. It originally featured Lincoln’s portrait on the front and two stalks of wheat on the back. While the design has changed, Lincoln’s portrait and Brenner’s initials (“VDB”) are still on the coin today. The reverse side of the coin was redesigned over the years and now displays a shield motif designed by Lyndall Bass.
Historically, the penny was made from a bronze composition containing mostly copper, but since 1982, it’s been made from copper-coated zinc, including the 2018 version. The standard 2018 penny weighs 2.5 grams. (For those into coin collecting, there are specific scales available to measure U.S. coins accurately.)
The 2018 Lincoln penny was produced in different mints with various finishes, including the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. The Philadelphia Mint created the majority of the 2018 pennies, while Denver and San Francisco Mints produced those with specific mintmarks. Unmarked 2018 pennies were made in Philadelphia, while those with a “D” indicate the Denver Mint, and a small “S” denotes the San Francisco Mint.
Now, let’s explore the value of your 2018 pennies…
2018 Penny Value (No Mintmark)
The 2018 penny with no mintmark, made at the Philadelphia Mint, is abundant. A massive 4,066,800,000 pennies were struck in 2018, so these are extremely common.
So, does the 2018 penny without a mintmark hold any extra value?
The answer depends. A circulated 2018 penny, likely worn from use, is worth just one cent.
However, an uncirculated penny without a mintmark could be worth anywhere from 10 to 30 cents.
The highest value ever recorded for a 2018 penny without a mintmark was $1,799.99. It was graded MS68RD by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) in 2022. Quite a remarkable find!
2018-D Penny Value
The 2018-D penny, produced at the Denver Mint, has a “D” mintmark under the date. The Denver Mint made 3,736,400,000 pennies in 2018, so these are also quite common.
Similar to the 2018 Philadelphia penny, a circulated 2018-D penny is worth its face value. But if it’s uncirculated, it could fetch 10 to 30 cents.
The highest value 2018-D penny ever sold was $5,995.95, graded MS69RD by Numismatic Guaranty Company in 2019.
2018-S Proof Penny Value
The 2018-S proof penny, made at the San Francisco Mint, was designed specifically for collectors. These coins were struck with high-quality minting methods using polished blanks and prepared dies to ensure a detailed finish. The San Francisco Mint produced 844,220 proof pennies, sold in sets for collectors, not for spending.
Typically, the 2018-S proof penny sells for $3 to $5. The most valuable proof penny from 2018, graded PR70DCAM by PCGS, sold for $72.99 in 2021.
2018-S Reverse Proof Penny Value
The 2018-S reverse proof penny features a unique design where the usual frosted designs of a proof coin are flipped. Issued as part of a commemorative set celebrating the 50th anniversary of regular proof coin production at the San Francisco Mint, this reverse proof penny has become a sought-after piece among collectors. Only 200,000 sets were made.
The 2018-S reverse proof penny typically retails for $10 to $15. The highest recorded value for this coin was $80, graded PR70RD by PCGS, which sold in 2019.
IMPORTANT: What Is The Grade Of Your 2018 Penny?
To determine how much your 2018 penny is truly worth, you need to know its condition or grade. Using a magnifying glass and a coin grading guide can help you assess your coin’s quality. There are also apps and tools available to make grading easier.
A List Of Rare 2018 Penny Errors… And Their Values
The values of 2018 penny errors vary based on the type of error and its severity. Here are some errors you may come across and their potential worth:
2018 Doubled Die Penny Error
The 2018 doubled die pennies, which are known for having doubled lettering on the obverse or reverse, can be worth anywhere from $25 to $50 or more. While major doubled die errors are rare, many minor ones exist and are worth keeping an eye out for.
2018 Off-Center Penny Error
Off-center pennies, where the design is not aligned correctly, are popular and can be worth quite a bit. A 5% to 10% off-center penny can fetch $10 to $15, while a penny that is 50% off-center with a complete date can be worth $100 or more.
2018 BIE Penny Error
The BIE penny error occurs when a die break causes the letters “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY” to form a small “I” shape. This is a fun error that collectors often seek. BIE pennies from 2018 can be valued between $5 and $15.
Are all 2018 pennies worth more than face value?
No, not all 2018 pennies are worth more than one cent. Most circulated 2018 pennies, whether they have a mintmark or not, are worth their face value of 1 cent. However, uncirculated or special edition pennies, such as proof or reverse proof coins, can be worth more depending on their condition and rarity.
How can I tell if my 2018 penny is valuable?
The value of your 2018 penny largely depends on its condition and whether it has any errors. Uncirculated pennies (those that show no signs of wear) can be worth more than face value, typically ranging from 10 to 30 cents. Special editions like proof or reverse proof coins, or those with errors, can be worth significantly more.
What is a “doubled die” error on a penny?
A “doubled die” error occurs when a coin’s design is stamped multiple times, resulting in visible doubling of the lettering or images. The 2018 doubled die pennies are typically worth $25 to $50 or more, depending on the severity of the error.